Head Of Communications And Engagement

About the role :

We're looking for an experienced, forward‑thinking Head of Communications and Engagement to lead our Selwyn District Council's strategic communications, marketing, and community engagement functions. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact - strengthening how Selwyn connects with our communities, building trust, and ensuring our people, partners and residents feel informed and involved.

Reporting to the Executive Director Strategy, Engagement and Capability, you'll lead a talented team responsible for delivering proactive communication, meaningful engagement, and accessible information across the district. You'll bring strong strategic insight, exceptional leadership, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

What you'll be doing :

Aligning, developing and empowering the team

• Shape, support and develop the Communications and Engagement unit, fostering a positive, motivated, and high‑performing culture.
• Provide clear direction, coaching and people leadership that empowers your team and lifts capability.
• Contribute as a key member of the Strategy, Engagement and Capability leadership team.

Driving strategic communications and engagement

• Co‑lead the development of organisation‑wide communication and engagement strategies that align with SDC priorities and strengthen our brand and reputation.
• Lead proactive, high‑quality campaigns that deepen connection with our communities and improve participation.
• Manage Council's engagement framework and calendar, ensuring activity is meaningful, efficient, and well‑coordinated.

Delivering excellent content, channels, and media

• Oversee content development across digital, social, web, multimedia, internal communications, and traditional media.
• Lead transparent, positive media and public relations approaches.
• Ensure staff are well informed through effective internal communication strategies.

Planning, performance and continuous improvement

• Deliver annual planning, budgeting, and reporting aligned with strategic direction.
• Ensure the team uses insights, data, and digital tools to improve service delivery.
• Monitor performance, manage risk, and champion continuous improvement with customer experience at the centre.
• Build productive relationships with Councillors, community boards, stakeholders and media.
• Provide expert, evidence‑based advice to governance and senior leaders.
• Uphold Selwyn District Council's values, safety culture, and commitment to the community.

About you :

You’ll bring extensive senior experience in communications and engagement within large, complex organisations, with the ability to provide trusted strategic advice, lead high‑performing teams, and deliver customer‑focused outcomes through meaningful engagement and strong stakeholder relationships.

• Extensive senior experience in communications or engagement leadership in a complex, multidisciplinary environment
• Expertise in community engagement and delivering customer‑centred outcomes
• Proven ability to lead dynamic teams and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and accountability
• Strong strategic agility and sound judgement
• Ability to establish yourself as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and governance
• Successful track record leading organisational and cultural change
• Strong stakeholder management skills in a complex environment

What we can offer :

• Great work‑life balance with flexibility
• Career coaching and development
• Life insurance
• Wellbeing and volunteer leave
• Three days paid leave between Christmas and New Year
• Two weeks paid Partners Leave
• Sick leave from day one
• Discounts with local and national businesses

About us :

Selwyn is New Zealand's fastest growing district. We have a fantastic quality of life, great communities, and a thriving economy. Our Council works actively with residents to provide the services and facilities that help our communities to thrive and grow.

Our head office is based in Rolleston (only 25km from Christchurch), which offers an enviable family lifestyle, outstanding local facilities and an easy drive to the ski fields, rivers and hills that make up Canterbury's stunning landscape.

Our values are important to us and represent the way we work :

• Be a good human
• Be brave - Think differently
• Better together - Make it happen for Selwyn.

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and we are committed to working with our Treaty partner to deliver on our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

If you'd like to play a part in making Selwyn the best place to live, work and play, join us today!

You can apply online or visit our website for more information. Your application will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and in accordance with our equal employment opportunity policies.

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